Running funny..

I am reaching new territory in my running "game." Being a little more fit this go around makes running less excruciating, but the fact that I am trying to run farther (and faster) makes it a very hard goal still. So it's time for some motivation.

While I appreciate the serious motivational running quotes..

I much prefer the funny ones..

But I have to admit, there is nothing more motivational than being covered in sweat and beating your own personal best. 

Anyone else out there running??

Losing It!!

So the before pic was in November of 2011. The "almost there" was taken today (4/11/12) in my first size SMALL shirt that I've purchased since before the birth of my fourth child almost 2 years ago.

I have been working out almost everyday. Eating well and keeping track of it all with the app "Lose It." I love that app. But most of all I love making working out part of my regular life. A "lifestyle" change.

I've lost 9.5 lbs (to date) and one pant size. And my current jeans are falling as well. Good progress.

But for the record.. all you busy moms out there. I will NOT say how "just getting started is the key." I WILL tell you the things I have skipped out on in order to make this my goal:

*My routine is shot. I go to the gym in the morning for two hours. 1 1/2 hrs to work out and 30 minutes to shower before I pick up the kids. We get home and do lunch, naps for the younger two and then rush through as much school as possible with my oldest.

*Errands don't happen unless at night. I try not to skip my workouts (Muscle on M-W-F, Spinning/cardio on T-Th) and therefore I don't get to run a lot of errands until when I am most tired..evenings.

*laundry. I haven't given up laundry as much as it's just not always folded. The kids need underwear? they go look in the basket. It's a given.

*My house is not tidy. Not that it ever was. But with us gone in the mornings it's not like we can wreck it any more. But the point is that housework isn't top of list.

Bottomline: I am not superwoman. And I have not managed to "balance" it all. No one can. So please know.. it comes at a sacrifice to something. For a small time.

Once I reach my goal I will be able to back off the everyday routine and settle into a 3-4 times a week routine. My hubby knows that this is my goal and he encourages me.. also knowing that some of the things that we are used to as a family (clean underwear in drawers) is something that everyone else pitches in on.

And I'm very happy with that.

Why the GNO and MHD are mandatory..

I've written a post before explaining the guilt that moms feel about taking time for themselves. Whether it's a "Girls Night Out" or a "Mental Health Day," they are both incredibly invaluable. And your whole family will be better if you take part.

But how do you know when it's time? While I advocate setting up a regular time for you to make time for yourself (to be by yourself or with friends).. there are those moments that sneak up on you with such craftiness that it takes every ounce of strength to make it to bed time.

For instance, a time when a GNO or MHD may be a matter of supreme urgency is when one, or all, of the examples (listed below) happen in regular succession:

Exhibit A:

A child sticks a pencil up their nose.

Exhibit B:
A child paints their face with.. wait for it... a BLUE SHARPIE.

Exhibit C:
You have cooked every meal for your kids and are only left with this:


Exhibit D:

Your two year old puts the coffee in the sugar bin. But alas, it was my fault.

Exhibit E:
You clean your house over and over again.. but at the end of the day it still looks like this:

I think you get the point. And I am sure you have many "exhibits" of your own. I just want to encourage you to know that "breaks" are okay to take. In fact, your family will be better for it. Even if your next day is filled with "exhibits" you will have a fresh perspective: like, it's doable without losing your sanity.

Why I love the Ergo!

As previously noted, I love baby wearing and here is one more reason why:

Yes, she was exhausted.

Yes, the Ergo can carry a 3.5 year old.

And I love it!!

(I will also add that this girl did not feel as heavy as carrying the 23 month old boy just 15 minutes earlier).

CURSE you "Hunger Games"!

Because the "Hunger Game" series is my first time being sucked in to a good book series (I know, I know.. somewhere someone just hissed their vampire teeth at me..) I am on the learning curve about when one should actually read during the day.

Say, for instance, if you have small children. One would have to catch on rather quickly that getting sucked into the "arena" is NOT a good idea when you have, say, a toddler and they are awake.

Because, when all you can hear is the cry of Katniss for Peeta you may miss out on the eerily silent toddler. And we all know that a silent toddler is way more scary than anything President Snow can throw at you.

Take for instance what one might find when they walk into the kitchen, after the toddler walks up to me (obviously engrossed in the third book) with sugar coated hands...

yes.. he certainly did (under all manner of stealth like movements) move the chair up to the counter, and proceed to pour coffee into the sugar bin. And then play around a bit..

Notice the nice coffee in the silver sugar bin?

Obviously, he did this in defiance of the rations in District 13.

And in direct response to my absorption in this series.

Serves me right. Lesson learned.

Next time, I read when he is safely asleep.